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BBC Worldwide appoints John Williams and Katy Xu for ad sales in Asia
MUMBAI: BBC Advertising is boosting its ad sales team in Asia to tap into the growing opportunities in the region. Recent studies have predicted strong growth in advertising revenues in Asia Pacific.
Two new roles have been created within the Asia leadership team to get closer to customers and identify new cross-platform opportunities. John Williams has been appointed ASEAN and India vice president, based in Singapore while Katy Xu will be Greater China and North Asia vice president, located in Hong Kong. They both have commenced their new roles from 1 September 2014 and report to BBC Worldwide advertising sales EVP Sunita Rajan.
Williams was earlier located in New York where he was BBC Worldwide North America international advertising VP. Xu takes up an expanded role while currently being Hong Kong and Greater China regional director.
Speaking on their appointment, Rajan said, “With their knowledge and valuable experience in operating across both mature and emerging markets, John and Katy will lead our region to further growth. I am looking forward to working with them to drive the strategic direction and new business across Asia Pacific.”
Williams said, “I am excited about this opportunity to work in one of the most exciting regions in the world with a new team eager for continued success, representing a suite of BBC products that are both in demand by audiences and advertisers alike.”
Katy Xu commented, “BBC is already a successful brand in countries across Asia and I am looking forward to building partnerships in new and existing markets to take our ad sales business to the next level.”
BBC Advertising plans to focus on its key priority markets such as India, China, Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
